CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is investigating two additional reports of adverse events among patients in Illinois who received injections of the steroid methylprednisolone acetate produced by Main Street Family Pharmacy, LLC in Newbern, Tennessee. All seven Illinois cases received injections at the Logan Primary Care clinic in downstate Herrin, located in Williamson County.

Initially five Illinois patients were reported to have developed abscesses after receiving injections of methylprednisolone acetate (MPA), an anti-inflammatory steroid used to treat a range of conditions including asthma and allergic reactions. The two additional cases were confirmed this week following public reports of a multistate outbreak involving more than 20 patients in Florida (13), North Carolina (2) and Illinois (7) who received injections of MPA from a shipment that originated from Main Street Family Pharmacy.

IDPH is conducting a joint investigation with the Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and officials from other states that received shipments of MPA from Main Street Family Pharmacy.

“The Illinois Department of Public Health continues to work with local and federal officials investigating these adverse events,” said IDPH Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck. “Our priority continues to be ensuring that all patients who might have received MPA injections have been contacted, and that they see a health care provider immediately if suffering any symptoms.”

The seven Illinois cases received injections between January 3 and February 21. Investigation into the cause of the adverse events is ongoing. To date, no reports of meningitis or other life-threatening infections have been reported.

Main Street Family Pharmacy has voluntarily initiated a recall of all sterile products, including MPA, in cooperation with state and federal authorities. Nearly 20 states received recalled MPA from Main Street Family Pharmacy since December 1, 2012. Main Street Family Pharmacy, LLC, is currently licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which is also investigating.